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To Those With Invisible Disabilities By Richard A Solomon, CBC


Accommodating Guests with Special Needs


Most visitors to public venues expect the large crowds and the loud sounds; the music, activity, and lights. They’re able to enjoy the experience. However, some people, when overstimulated, have unfavorable


reactions. Their brains don’t process the information they sense as most of us do. Those people can experience sensory overload, be overwhelmed with anxiety, and experience meltdowns. 


dogs, wheelchairs, canes, or walkers. But many others live with dis- abilities that are essentially invisible — they aren’t always immedi- ately apparent. These are some of the conditions that can lead to sensory sensitivities:


• Autism spectrum disorder • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) •


Generalized anxiety disorder


• Down syndrome • Blindness • Deafness •


The room is painted in calming tones and is decorated with a tex-


tured wall and special seating. “Our guest services booths now provide Sensory Bags at no cost to


Early onset dementia


• Parkinson’s disease •


Disabilities caused by strokes The Q’s Bonavita learned that it’s possible to provide accommo-


dations for guests with sensory disabilities, when he began working       works to improve accessibility and create acceptance for people with autism.


Creating a Sensory Inclusive Venue 


   challenging. The key is making it possible for those who have sensory process- ing needs to experience all of a community’s amenities without fear          


awareness training and introduced new facilities, services, and pro- cedures for guests with sensory sensitivities. “We created a Sensory Room,” he said, “an amazing space that


helps overstimulated guests disconnect in private and escape the crowds and loud noises.”


those who request them.” - ing headphones to help guests relax. A printed card called a “feelings thermometer” helps guests communicate how they’re feeling and what they need just by pointing at images. Finally, new exit and re-entry policies accommodate guests who might feel overwhelmed and need to leave the building for a breath of fresh air. Guest services and security team members are stationed at all major exits to facilitate these policies. The improvements make The Q better prepared to help senso-


ry-sensitive guests have the most comfortable experiences possible. “Our ultimate goal is to provide those with sensory needs the ability to   of the Cavs and the arena.  said, “and the feedback has been amazing. We’ve gotten a lot of rec- ognition. “We’ve been very fortunate. We rolled out these changes, and we


didn’t rush it. “People in the industry have paid attention. The NBA has been sup-


portive, and in a year almost all NBA venues will make these changes. You’ll see them in museums and convention centers, too. “We’ve received inquiries from across the United States and from


Europe and Australia. We’re providing awareness, and people can see what we’ve done.” The bottom line, Bonavita said, is that the environment is always


changing, and venue managers need to be mindful of that.         


Belles? “You feel welcome. You sit and look around and know that we can do what other families can do. It’s pretty awesome.”


 


IAVM 31


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